This was a tough week. Last Sunday, an incredible young woman from my church was involved in a car accident and she passed away. Talented, athletic, literally brilliant, infectiously warm, and a lover of God. Amazing girl from an amazing family. It was a jarring, heartbreaking loss. There's so much to say about her, but I want to focus on a bit of a different aspect below, so you can get a brief synopsis about Amanda here - http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2014/01/07/amanda-kelsall-killed-sunday-in-vehicle-crash
I went to the funeral today, and it's amazing how God works. In the midst of tragedy and heartache, each of her family members took the opportunity to talk about her love of Christ during their eulogies, and then to tell of how Christ's strength was keeping them strong. They were witnessing! They were laughing! They were full of joy! They were excited for their daughter/sister in heaven! It was incredible to see their faith and their strength. About 1,000 people were at the funeral, many non-believers, and they heard the message of Christ loud and clear - several times from many speakers. That in itself was a testament to Amanda's faith and legacy.
I really can't say enough about this girl and this family. I had so much respect for them before this all happened...I didn't think it was possible to gain even more respect for them, and yet here were are today. Meanwhile, her boyfriend is in hospital with serious injuries. I have just as much respect for his family (who also go to our church). Both families are truly anchored in God, I have always looked up to both, and both have always inspired my faith in the past, and even more so now.
In the end, there were two things that captivated me today, shared by Amanda's family. One was her determination to excellence. No matter what she did, she gave it her all. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says that we run a race, but only one wins. We should run to win, and train our bodies for that - we push our hardest and strive for our best, and it's all for God.
The second thing was that we have no fear in death. As Christians, we really do have no fear in death because death means something better for us. Philippians 1:21 - "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The family got that message across clearly. In fact, if there was one thing that was comforting all week, it's been picturing Amanda having the time of her life in heaven, and just waiting for everyone here back on earth to join here. She's thrilled right now, and we as Christians have no fear in death because we have something better that awaits us!
Still, it is hard for those left behind right now. We will miss her and grieve with the family. But Christ is our strength and our joy, and her family did so well to remind us of that today.
I went to the funeral today, and it's amazing how God works. In the midst of tragedy and heartache, each of her family members took the opportunity to talk about her love of Christ during their eulogies, and then to tell of how Christ's strength was keeping them strong. They were witnessing! They were laughing! They were full of joy! They were excited for their daughter/sister in heaven! It was incredible to see their faith and their strength. About 1,000 people were at the funeral, many non-believers, and they heard the message of Christ loud and clear - several times from many speakers. That in itself was a testament to Amanda's faith and legacy.
I really can't say enough about this girl and this family. I had so much respect for them before this all happened...I didn't think it was possible to gain even more respect for them, and yet here were are today. Meanwhile, her boyfriend is in hospital with serious injuries. I have just as much respect for his family (who also go to our church). Both families are truly anchored in God, I have always looked up to both, and both have always inspired my faith in the past, and even more so now.
In the end, there were two things that captivated me today, shared by Amanda's family. One was her determination to excellence. No matter what she did, she gave it her all. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says that we run a race, but only one wins. We should run to win, and train our bodies for that - we push our hardest and strive for our best, and it's all for God.
The second thing was that we have no fear in death. As Christians, we really do have no fear in death because death means something better for us. Philippians 1:21 - "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The family got that message across clearly. In fact, if there was one thing that was comforting all week, it's been picturing Amanda having the time of her life in heaven, and just waiting for everyone here back on earth to join here. She's thrilled right now, and we as Christians have no fear in death because we have something better that awaits us!
Still, it is hard for those left behind right now. We will miss her and grieve with the family. But Christ is our strength and our joy, and her family did so well to remind us of that today.
Hi Tim,
ReplyDeleteOur daughter Martha knew Amanda - she was in an AIA Bible study at Queen's with her a couple of years ago. Some of the things Martha told me about her last week was that she always had the biggest smile, and was excited about living joyously for the Lord. Martha thought she was going to be the greatest doctor ever. Thank you for this blog.
~ Jill Kennedy